Traipsin’ (Traipsing)
In Appalachian speech, "traipsin’" (sometimes written "traipsing") means wandering, trudging, or moving about in a careless or tiring way - often with the sense of making a mess or being underfoot.
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I heard 'traipsin'' on a regular basis from my Momma growin' up. I don't use it much, but maybe if I'm worked up. Pronunciation
Meaning & Usage
- Wandering / roaming around (verb)
Where you been?Just traipsin’ through the woods a spell.- Dragging / trudging (verb)
Quit traipsin’ mud in here!Ain’t my fault the field’s soggy.- Getting underfoot / being a nuisance (verb, figurative)
Folks keep traipsin’ in and out all day - can’t get no peace.Origin
From Middle English "trapesen" meaning to trample, drag the feet, or walk aimlessly. The word came over from Britain and stuck in Appalachian and Southern speech, especially as a term of mild scolding.
Notes
"Traipsin’" is most common in fussin’ at children, pets, or guests making a mess. It can be playful or sharp depending on tone. While found outside Appalachia, it’s a word that feels right at home in mountain talk.
Say It Like a Southerner
Say it plain: "TRAYP-sin." The "g" drops clean off, leaving a lazy "-in’." Sometimes said sharper, sometimes drawn out depending on the mood.